Toileting Issues and Running a Marathon

[mamacoast]

I've been training for my first marathon for 6 months. It is just 2 weeks away. Over the last 2 weeks, I've really needed to go for a number 2 whilst I've been running, and sometimes up to 3 times over a 30-32k run.

I've been advised to take Imodium fast melts by a pharmacist. 2 tablets, 2 hours before and then as needed whilst on the run. This has helped slightly, I only needed to go at the 16k mark yesterday and was fine for the last 5k.

Any advice I should consider? Could my GP prescribe a more effective medication?

Thank you for your time. X This is a real worry now.

emmathedilemma, yes I have been drinking water before and after the gel. Good point though. Thanks v much.

I live in very rural area and run mostly on farm tracks etc, so go behind a hedge.
When I'm in London (half wwwk for work) it's awful, I have to plan run around available loos, so usually from main train station to main train station...

It's when your internal core temp gets too high, one way of trying to get rid of heat is a good old clear out 🤨 very common and not much you can do about it, they'll be plenty if toilets in the route and Imodium would at least stop it being an emergency good luck x

Going lactose free can help for this.

Race day nerves are very likely to result it a good 'clear out' on the morning of the race!

I have always taken a single loperamide 2mg capsules, immediately before the race, (after final toilet visit) and that has worked well for me

If you’re carb loading then that will go some way to bung you up. I have ibs so had to be very careful about what I ate prior to my marathon.
No coffee for me because it has an impact far past the initial clear out.
I was absolutely fine on race day, made sure I was up early enough that my body was able to do it’s usual business then nothing more.

Have you tried Active Root? A lot of friends swear by it to help keep their stomach settled.

emmathedilemma, I will look into this. x